Ronald Scott Peterson

Ronald Scott Peterson passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 1, 2012 at his home in Snowflake, Navajo County, Arizona rather unexpectedly. He was 56 years old. Ron was born on April 8, 1955 in Winslow, Navajo County, Arizona to the late Keith Elden and Cherie (Flake) Peterson. As a child, Ron lived with his Mom and Dad, who was working for the Santa Fe Railroad, until the age of 7, when he moved to San Diego, California for a school year. He really lived the big city life there. The family moved back to Winslow for 2 years and then settled in Snowflake, Arizona. Ron was a proud Lobo and graduated from Snowflake High School in 1975. Following his graduation, he moved to Tempe to work and live independently. While living in Tempe, Ron made many lifelong friends, whom will dearly miss his friendship. It was while living in Tempe that Ron was seriously burned in an explosive fire that took the life of his roommate and others. He saved himself by picking his way through the burning wreckage of his apartment and the top floor, which had crashed down upon him. He was waiting out of harm's way when the ambulance finally arrived. Immediately after that tragedy, Ron moved back to Snowflake, where he spent the rest of his life, living independently from others, across the street from the high school. Ron managed the high school baseball team for many years and he was an avid fan of the Lobo sports program. He did not miss many of the games in the last 20 years. Ron was ready to stop being the baseball manager but, when Greg Brimhall found out he was leaving, he asked Ron to stay an extra year, which Ron did, so he would be there until Greg graduated. Ron never did let Greg forget, during their long relationship, that he stayed in baseball a whole extra year! He often teased him and reminded him that he "owed him one." Even as a teenager, Greg showed Ron kindness and respect. They continued to be friends throughout their lives, and Greg is currently the baseball coach for the Snowflake Lobos. Ron's ancestors were pioneers to the Silver Creek area. He loved his family and home. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was happy with his ward family. Ron also worked every week helping others in need at the Bishop's Storehouse in Snowflake. His co-workers there say, "he was always early and took his tasks very seriously." Ron had a strong social network of caring people around him, especially his parents, his brother, his sister and the rest of his large extended family. Many were attracted to Ron because he had such a great sence of humor. He was a funny fellow. His brother, Ken, always appreciated his clever comebacks. Ron was also the person in the family who could, from memory, rattle off dates and events that happened, not only in his life, but in the lives of those he loved, too. He was our family historian. Truly Ron's favorite past-time was writing to the people he cared about and then receiving their mail back. Ronald Scott Peterson is survived by: his brother, Kenneth Elden Peterson of Show Low, Arizona; his sister, Marsha Peterson of Show Low, Arizona; his sister-in-law, Eleazar Peterson of Tucson, Arizona; 4 nephews: Kenneth Elden, Jr. (Cynthia) Peterson and their sons, Steven & Caleb; Keith Eric (Consuelo) Peterson and their children, Vanessa & Davian; Cary Preston (Wendy) Peterson and their son, Ezra; Marc Wyatt Peterson and his daughter, Evelyn. Ron is also survived by his extended family members including: Eddie Martin, Tiffany Neil, Rebecca Penrod and Stuart Wilkins. Along with his parents, Ron was preceded in death by: a brother-in-law, Merrill Burton and an infant niece, Holly Burton. Unfortunately, Ron was very young when his paternal grandparents, Lamar Andelin & Goldie (Rhoton) Peterson died. His maternal grandparents were Marshall Hunt and Malinda (Wright) Flake. A special graveside service for Ron was held on Monday at The R.V. "Mike" Ramsay Memorial Cemetery in Snowflake where he was laid to rest alongside his mother, Cherie, in a grave provided by his Aunt Marzell Flake Locust. Ron's family is also thankful for Marguerite and Milo Smith for the care and friendship they gave him. Gratitude also goes to the Davis Family of Clay Springs. Alice Davis was Ron's step-mother and was very important to Ron. The Davis Family came together to provide the beautiful pine coffin that was built by Cecil Perkins. Cecil's generosity and fine craftsmanship is appreciated. His family would also like to thank the members of Ron's Snowflake 6th Ward family, especially Bishop Dale Nielsen and the ward's Relief Society sisters. They are also grateful for all the expressions of sympathies through thought and deed by his community and are especially thankful for all the prayers offered up on their behalf. Finally, as Ron, himself would say, "That's my story and I'm stickin' to it."